NEWSLETTER
Another outlet that does the whole prospect ranking thing took the time to produce a top 75 affiliated prospects under the age of 23 earlier this week. The Daily Faceoff had a few future Blackhawks on their list.
It’s worth noting that five of their top ten overall either have played or are playing at the University of Michigan. What they’ve been able to do in recent years in Ann Arbor is really impressive — indeed, it’s historic.
Here’s where the Blackhawks’ prospects hit the list and what they had to say about them:
28. Frank Nazar, C/RW, U. of Michigan — Nazar was an offensive dynamo with the USNTDP last season, and he’s ready for a big season at the University of Michigan. Nazar is a true triple-threat offensive genius, and some scouts pegged him for potential first-line center upside. Like with most college-bound players, it’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts to the older competition.
33. Kevin Korchinski, D, Seattle Thunderbirds — Blackhawks fans love Korchinski, and rightfully so. The seventh overall pick in 2022, Korchinski had just under a point per game in his first full season with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds and he’s off to a fantastic start already this year. Korchinski forces opponents to make mistakes because he loves being close to the puck and will do whatever it takes to get it on his stick.
54. Lukas Reichel, W, Rockford IceHogs — Many pegged Reichel to become a full-time NHLer this season. Instead, the Hawks sent him back to Rockford, where he had 57 points in 56 games as a rookie. Reichel had an 11-game run with Chicago with minimum success, but it’s all about getting reps in. And, of course, there’s no rush bringing him up right now given the state of the team.
